Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have a foundation problem?
The most obvious sign for a homeowner is often cracked sheetrock around door and window frames on the interior, and windows and doors that don’t fully close or lock.
On the exterior of the home, the best indications are “stair step” cracks in brick lines, separation of caulk from edges of a window or doorframe, and a brick freeze that has separated where brick walls meet the soffit.
What happens if I have a break in my plumbing?
As a foundation settles it can often crack or break the under-slab plumbing, and if its not already broken it can often do so during the leveling process.
We test the plumbing on every home we level, and if we find that its broken we will tunnel to the site of the break and ensure a licensed plumber makes the repairs before we begin mud pumping.
Do you offer a warranty?
Yes, we have a lifetime warranty that is transferable to new owners in the event you sell your home.
We don’t believe in arbitration, we believe in customer service, and before you choose another foundation company please review this article on the real results and cost of arbitration.
What areas do you service?
Since 1985, we have proudly served the homeowners of the Brazos Valley Region: Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Leon, Madison, Robertson, Washington and Milam Counties.
Do you do pier and beam repair?
Yes, our experienced crews are more than capable of repairing homes with a crawlspace. Although the technique is slightly different the principles are the same, we utilize (or create if necessary) a stable spot to emplace our jacks and carefully return your home back to its originally constructed plane.
If a suitable crawlspace doesn’t exist (less than 16”) we can create one by using air bags to lift and level your entire house.
How long does a foundation inspection take?
Usually, it takes no more than 1 hour to conduct an inspection, develop a plan to correct any foundation issues, and of course, share the results and recommendations with the homeowner.
How do you find the interior beams and install piers beneath them?
In order to determine the exact location of the interior beams, we roll back carpet and/or remove flooring to conduct a ping test on the floor.
Once the beams have been located we “break out” the concrete with a jackhammer and then begin the digging and drilling process.
How do you know how deep to install the piers?
We know that throughout the Brazos Valley when you drill down to 8’-12’ you will find more stable clay.
The clay at that depth is unaffected by seasonal moisture changes and allows us to install a deep bell-bottom pier that resists movement as moisture levels change.
Why do you mud pump underneath the foundation?
Slab on grade foundations are designed and built to have contact with the soil below. As a foundation settles, it compacts the soil beneath it, and as the home is leveled and returned to its original plane a void is created.
If that void is not properly filled, then you run the risk of allowing water runoff to erode the fill beneath the slab, undermine the stability of the drilled piers, having floor resonance or even allowing a family of critters to build a home beneath yours.
Does foundation watering help?
Yes it can but only if you are consistent. As a homeowner, it’s really the only thing you can do on your own as a preventive maintenance technique.
There are a variety of factors that contribute to a failure of a foundation, but the most significant is the ever-changing moisture content of the clay soils we have in the Brazos Valley. In order to minimize the changes in the moisture content, foundation watering needs to be done on a daily basis throughout the dry seasons of the year.
What happens to the plants and landscaping around my home?
We will gladly transplant smaller plants and shrubs to a consolidated area in your yard that will provide shade and help minimize the stress they undergo during the repair process.
Large bushes will be carefully pruned to allow access to the portion of your home required for repairs. When our work is complete, we will return the plants to their original location and cover with topsoil.
Do I need to hire an engineer?
No it’s not necessary to hire an engineer, but if you plan on selling your house soon after the work is complete, it is often a wise investment to have an engineer prepare a report.
Doing so will allow the engineer to review the work we propose before we begin, then when the work is complete, they can reshoot elevations and provide a letter that can be presented to a potential buyer.
Do I need to move my furniture if I'm having interior piers installed?
No, and fortunately only 20% of homes require the installation of interior piers. However, if your home does require interior piers, one of the first things we will do is roll back any carpeting to locate the interior beams.
Then we will move any items that are in the way to a consolidated area and wrap them in a layer of plastic to make sure they’re protected throughout the repair process.
Do I need to take time off from work while the work is being performed?
We always encourage homeowners to be present throughout the repair process, but understand that it’s not always possible.
When we begin to level your home, we will need access to the interior in order to check the windows, doors, and floors.
We seek to continually grow in our relationships with our customers and in our support of the community.
Homeowners' thoughts on our services
Jenna Kurten
Jenna Kurten
Friends had recommended this company and said I would get an honest assessment of my foundation. I definitely found this to be true.
They will be happy to fix any foundation problems, but if it’s not absolutely necessary, they will tell you that too!
I’m very happy with this company and will use them in the future (if it becomes necessary).
Diane Ebbole